Volunteer, Damn It!

Every election season, candidates run on the promise that they’ll open up City Hall, that they’ll consult more, involve the community, ensure accountability, bring the people into the process.

I roll my eyes.

There’s more opportunity for involvement at City Hall than any sane human being could stand if one actually took advantage of it all.  Please note: this is not the same thing as getting to make the decision, or ensuring that a decision-maker will agree with you.  It means you get to state your point of view and persuade others.   Sure, sometimes to no effect.  But anyone who has tried knows there is an accumulative effect, particularly when the time and place are right.  But you have to be there.

If you’re so inclined, here’s your chance.  And this is just some of the committees available for citizen involvement.  There are lots of task forces and public meetings structured for specific developments, plans, projects and processes.  Not to mention Twitter.

The City of Vancouver is committed to providing opportunities for citizens to get involved throughout the city and is seeking volunteers from the general public for positions on the following civic agencies:

• Active Transportation Advisory Committee (new)
• Chinatown Historic Area Planning Committee
• Development Permit Board Advisory Panel
• First Shaughnessy Advisory Design Panel
• Gastown Historic Area Planning Committee
• LGBTQ Advisory Committee
• Multicultural Advisory Committee
• Persons with Disabilities Advisory Committee
• Public Art Committee
• Seniors Advisory Committee
• Urban Aboriginal Peoples Advisory Committee
• Urban Design Panel
• Vancouver City Planning Commission
• Vancouver Civic Theatres Board
• Vancouver Food Policy Council
• Vancouver Heritage Commission
• Women’s Advisory Committee

For more information: 604.873.7269